Kidney Health Panel
Test ID: A902
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Introduction
Urea and creatinine are waste products from the breakdown of proteins within the body. Usually urea and creatinine are removed from the body by the kidneys. Measurements of urea nitrogen (nitrogen content of urea) and creatinine in a blood sample are useful for the evaluation of kidney function and metabolic health, diagnosis and monitoring of acute and chronic renal disease, and to assess the status of renal dialysis patients.
Pricing
$99
Synonyms
- Blood Urea Nitrogen
- BUN
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate
- Estimated GFR
- Calculated GFR
What is Included?
Measurement of urea nitrogen levels in a blood sample by enzymatic (urease) methodology.
Measurement of creatinine levels in a blood sample by Jaffe chemistry (kinetic alkaline picrate), and estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation (2009).
Turnaround Time
1 – 3 business days
The turnaround time is not guaranteed. The average turnaround time is 1 – 3 business days from the date that the sample arrives at the laboratory. Shipping time for the sample is not included. Additional time is required if the case requires confirmatory or reflex testing, or if the sample is insufficient, or if a recollection is required.
Related Documents
Patient Brochure (Creatinine and eGFR)Additional Information and Resources
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Preparation Before Specimen Collection
Avoid taking antibiotics containing cephalosporin within four hours of collecting the blood specimen for this assay.
Avoid the consumption of a high protein meal or drink in the 12 hours prior to collecting blood sample.
Specimen Type
Blood
Volume
50 μL in a microtainer
Container
Microtainer (regular blood tube)
Collection Method
This test requires a blood sample from a finger prick. All supplies for sample collection are provided in the kit.
- First wash and dry hands. Warm hands aid in blood collection.
- Clean the finger prick site with the alcohol swab and allow to air dry.
- Use the provided lancet to puncture the skin in one quick, continuous and deliberate stroke.
- Wipe away the first drop of blood.
- Massage hand and finger to increase blood flow to the puncture site. Angle arm and hand downwards to facilitate blood collection on the fingertip.
- Drip blood into the microtainer tube.
- Dispose of all sharps safely and return sample to the laboratory in the provided prepaid return shipping envelope.
NOTES: Avoid squeezing or ‘milking’ the finger excessively. If more blood is required and blood flow stops, perform a second skin puncture on another finger. Do not touch the fingertip.
Specimen Storage
Maintain specimen at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C during storage and transport.
Specimen Stability
Blood samples can be refrigerated or kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Causes for Rejection
- Incorrect or incomplete patient identification
- Incorrect specimen collection
- Inappropriate storage and transport conditions
- Incorrect specimen volume
- Severe hemolysis
TEST DETAILS
Purpose
To measure urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in a blood sample and to estimate glomerular filtration rate for the evaluation of kidney function and metabolic health, diagnosis and monitoring of acute and chronic renal disease, and to assess the status of renal dialysis patients.
Limitations
- This report is not intended for use in medico-legal applications.
- These results should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical information.
- Correct specimen collection and handling is required for optimal assay performance.
- Interferences from medication or endogenous substances may affect results.
- Borderline high urea nitrogen values may occur after recent ingestion of a high protein meal.
- Low urea nitrogen levels occur during normal pregnancy, with intravenous fluids, and with some antibiotics.
- Antibiotics containing cephalosporin lead to inaccurate creatinine results if blood sample is taken within four hours of an antibiotic dose.
Methodology
Enzymatic (urease) (Alinity c Urea Nitrogen assay)
Jaffe chemistry (kinetic alkaline picrate) (Alinity c Creatinine assay) for the measurement of creatinine levels and the CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation (2009) to calculate eGFR.
Reference Intervals
| Urea Nitrogen Range in serum/plasma (mg/dL) | Urea Range in serum/plasma
(mmol/L) |
|
| 1 – 3 years | 5.1 – 16.8 | 1.8 – 6.0 |
| 4 – 13 years | 7.0 – 16.8 | 2.5 – 6.0 |
| 14 – 19 years | 8.4 – 21.0 | 3.0 – 7.5 |
| Adult Male < 50 years | 8.9 – 20.6 | 3.2 – 7.4 |
| Adult Male > 50 years | 8.4 – 25.7 | 3.0 – 9.2 |
| Adult Female < 50 years | 7.0 – 18.7 | 2.5 – 6.7 |
| Adult Female > 50 years | 9.8 – 20.1 | 3.5 – 7.2 |
These reference ranges were obtained from the Alinity c Urea Nitrogen package insert. (Source: Thomas L. Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics: Use and Assessment of Clinical Laboratory Results. Frankfurt/Main, Germany: TH-Books Verlagsgesellschaft mbH; 1998:374–377.)
Normal creatinine ranges are 0.72 – 1.25 mg/dL for adult males and 0.57 – 1.11 mg/dL for adult females.
Normal GFR is more than 90 for adults. GFR declines with age, even in the absence of kidney disease. Values between 60 and 89 may indicate kidney disease. Values less than 60 for more than 3 months occur during moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease.
These reference ranges were obtained from the Alinity c Creatinine package insert and the National Kidney Foundation.